The (Un)Offensive Gospel of Jesus
Nov 20th, 2008 by John
Jeremy Bouma has a story to tell and he tells it well. Having grown up in a very conservative Christian environment (Hudsonville, MI) and having served in ministries where a mutant form of the Gospel was transmitted, Jeremy underwent a conversion. Through his own experience of “the dark night of the soul,” Jeremy came out rethinking and reformulating his faith within the postmodern, post-Christian culture of the USA. In all this, Jeremy found a deeper passion for the church and for the robust Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having spent 5 years doing “ministry” on Capitol Hill, Jeremy was sickened by how the politicians viewed Christians–just another lobbying and voting bloc that was no different than the N.O.W. or N.R.A. It was all about how to get in power and stay in power.
One of Jeremy’s favorite questions is “Are you kidding me?” And he asks that question to those who are espousing the view that the Gospel of Jesus is inherently offensive. Jeremy has written The (Un)offensive Gospel of Jesus (NovusLumen Publications: 2008). He believes the “offensive gospel” view is biblically, theologically, pastorally and practically wrong. Jeremy contends that view usually starts in the wrong place–with sin or with hell/heaven and it offers nothing substantive for life-transformation. But don’t get Jeremy wrong. He’s not substituting a wimpy, gutless Gospel. Jeremy offers a powerfully sweeping, compelling, confronting expression of the good news of the kingdom of God.
Jeremy does not harangue the church. He presents his concern with the “offensive gospel” view in one chapter. He, then, offers in the rest of his book a fascinating overview of God’s grand Story of redemption. And with all his theological expression, Jeremy never leaves planet earth.
I have the privilege of serving with Jeremy as he is fulfilling his pastoral internship here at Fellowship Evangelical Covenant Church in, you guessed it, Hudsonville, MI. How ironic. Jeremy is a good scholar, an insightful, emerging thinker, capable writer and is and will be an influential voice in the leadership of the Church at large.
Popularity: 2% [?]
“…Jeremy contends that view usually starts in the wrong place–with sin or with hell/heaven and it offers nothing substantive for life-transformation…”
We don’t have to read very far into the New Testament to find out the purpose of the arrival of Jesus, to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus didn’t beat around the bush or mince His words – and I’m not saying to use choke holds.
I haven’t read “The (Un) Offensive Gospel of Jesus”, but have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. I walked alone to Church as a child in search for truth. It doesn’t surprise me when I hear the reports of crime from the media – I lived it. I vividly remember what it was like to be void a conscience.
There appear to be many second+ generation Christians who have chose to rebel their upbringing – be it from the pulpit, books or videos. How has the Church survived for so many years without them? It is sad to learn of the many individuals who felt the call of God on their heart, studied and trained to preach/teach the Word of God – only to rely more upon and teach man’s fallible words.
Don’t attempt to soften the blow of the Word of God, or quench the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a work of God.